Dementia Assessment and Memory Clinic
Dementia Assessment at a specialist Memory Clinic provides comprehensive evaluation of memory, thinking, and behaviour changes - delivering an accurate diagnosis, appropriate medication and support, carer education, and a personalised plan for maintaining quality of life and independence for as long as possible.
Overview
Key Benefits
Discover the advantages of choosing our dementia assessment and memory clinic services.
Accurate early diagnosis enables access to medication support and planning while capacity is intact
Treatable and reversible causes of cognitive impairment identified and managed when present
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor therapy slows the rate of cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease
Early post-diagnostic support enables legal and financial planning while the patient can participate
Carer education and support reduces the enormous burden on families caring for a person with dementia
Clinical Features
The technology, techniques and clinical approach behind our dementia assessment and memory clinic.
Multi-domain cognitive battery provides objective profile more accurate than clinical interview alone
Dual patient-and-carer interview captures information unavailable from single informant assessment
Blood tests systematically exclude reversible and treatable causes before a dementia diagnosis
Brain imaging identifies vascular disease atrophy pattern and alternative pathologies
Post-diagnostic support package coordinated before leaving the clinic
Preparation Instructions
Attend all follow-up appointments with the memory clinic team - post-diagnostic support and medication review are essential components of dementia care. Engage with all recommended support services - occupational therapy home assessments, driving fitness assessment if required, and legal planning (lasting power of attorney) while capacity is intact. Carer organisations including Alzheimer's Society provide invaluable practical and emotional support. Contact your GP or the memory clinic for any sudden change in behaviour, acute confusion, or rapid cognitive decline.
The Procedure
Step-by-step guide to what you can expect during your dementia assessment and memory clinic procedure.
Pre-Assessment Information Collection
Before the appointment the memory clinic team sends questionnaires to the patient and carer separately -- gathering information about the specific memory changes when they began how they have progressed and their impact on daily life from both perspectives.
Comprehensive Cognitive Testing
Standardised tests are administered -- MMSE MoCA and additional neuropsychological tests of memory language attention executive function and visuospatial abilities -- providing an objective profile of which cognitive domains are affected.
Clinical Interview with Patient and Carer
A detailed interview explores the history and progression of cognitive changes impact on daily activities mood personality changes driving safety and medication management -- the carer providing information the patient may not be able to report accurately.
Physical Examination and Investigation
A targeted neurological examination is performed. Blood tests exclude treatable causes including thyroid disease B12 deficiency and infection. CT or MRI brain imaging assesses brain structure and identifies vascular disease.
Diagnosis and Formulation
All information is integrated to reach the most accurate diagnostic formulation -- distinguishing dementia subtypes from age-related decline MCI and depression causing pseudo-dementia. The diagnosis is communicated compassionately to patient and carer.
Post-Diagnostic Support and Care Planning
A comprehensive care package is coordinated -- acetylcholinesterase inhibitor medication occupational therapy home assessment social care referral legal and financial planning advice carer support and connection to Alzheimer's Society before the family leaves.
What to Expect
The assessment takes 1.5 to 2 hours and includes a detailed interview with both patient and carer, standardised cognitive testing, blood tests, and a referral for MRI brain if not recently performed. The team discusses the findings openly and compassionately. A diagnosis and management plan is provided in a follow-up appointment within 2 to 4 weeks. The team coordinates all required support services including occupational therapy, social care, legal and financial guidance, and carer support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about dementia assessment and memory clinic.
Related Services
Explore other services in our Psychiatry department.
Electroconvulsive Therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Psychiatric Medication Management
Ready to Get Started?
Schedule your consultation today and take the first step towards better health.